BREAKING: Golden State Valkyries’ point guard Veronica Burton has been selected to attend the USA Basketball senior national team camp, set for December 12-14, 2023, at Duke University. This marks a pivotal moment for Burton, who was recently named the WNBA’s Most Improved Player and earned a spot on the All-Defensive Team.
Burton will be joined by a remarkable lineup of first-time invitees, including Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers. Also among the newcomers are former Stanford stars Cameron Brink and Kiki Iriafen, all aiming to make their mark on the national stage.
URGENCY: This camp is crucial as the U.S. prepares for the FIBA Women’s World Cup qualifier in Puerto Rico scheduled for March 2024. The USA team, already qualified for the World Cup next year in Germany, will compete against teams from Italy, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Senegal, and Spain.
DETAILS: The camp will be led by head coach Kara Lawson, alongside Natalie Nakase, the WNBA Coach of the Year from the Valkyries, Nate Tibbetts from Phoenix, and Stephanie White from Indiana. The combination of seasoned veterans and rising stars promises to bring an exciting dynamic to the training sessions.
The inclusion of Clark, an All-Star with the Indiana Fever, adds an interesting twist. Despite being previously invited while at Iowa, she missed out due to timing conflicts. Now, she is poised to showcase her skills alongside other top-tier players.
HUMAN IMPACT: This opportunity represents a significant achievement for Burton, reflecting her hard work and dedication throughout the past season. Her journey from an emerging talent to a national team contender is inspiring for aspiring athletes everywhere.
WHAT’S NEXT: Basketball fans will be closely watching how these athletes perform during the camp. As the national team gears up for international competition, this camp will likely shape the roster for the upcoming World Cup.
Stay tuned for more updates as these developments unfold, and celebrate the rising stars of women’s basketball as they take this monumental step forward with Team USA.
